West Africa Theological Seminary-WATS

West Africa Theological Seminary-WATS WATS is a non-denominational institution that trains Christian leaders for the church in Africa and beyond. Led by Rev. Gary S.

West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) started in April, 1989, when a group of Nigerian and expatriate Christian leaders met to consider the needs of the Church in Nigeria and in particular to determine how to provide sound theological training to as many pastors as possible. Maxey of the US, the group moved quickly to establish a strong, academically competent, nondenominational theological semi

nary, now known as WATS. For its first twelve years the seminary (first known as Wesley International Bible College, and later as Wesley International Theological Seminary—and since 2001 as WATS) was located in Owerri, Imo State, in eastern Nigeria. The growth of WATS has been significant since it first opened its doors. Across the years more than 1,000 pastors have graduated, and more than 2,000 totally have received training. Because WATS is nondenominational, it has attracted students and ethnic groups from a broad spectrum of churches, language groups and countries. At any given moment WATS usually has students from at least:

Thirty of Nigeria´s states,
Over forty native languages,
Ten or more other African countries, and
Well over eighty different church groups.

This week begins with a four-in-one passage of Scripture that reveals the secret of a good life. The psalmist summarizes...
13/07/2026

This week begins with a four-in-one passage of Scripture that reveals the secret of a good life.

The psalmist summarizes this secret with a simple but profound expression: the fear of the Lord.

It is God's prescription for anyone who desires to enjoy life and experience many good days.

The secret is found in four practical instructions:

- Keep your tongue and lips from evil and deceit.
- Turn away from evil.
- Do what is good.
- Seek peace and pursue it.

It is interesting to note that these instructions are not dependent on what other people choose to do.

Rather, they are personal responsibilities that each of us must embrace.

As this new week unfolds, may we be sensitive to the things we must avoid and wholeheartedly obey the Lord's instructions.

As we do, may we enjoy the peaceful and fulfilling life that God desires for us.

Have a miraculous Monday, and may the Lord bless you with a week filled with His peace, favor, and abundant grace.

People who are unable to meet their basic personal needs or carry out their responsibilities—whether financially, social...
06/07/2026

People who are unable to meet their basic personal needs or carry out their responsibilities—whether financially, socially, physically, or in other areas of life—are found everywhere in the world. Such people are generally referred to as the poor.

Sadly, the poor are often despised, neglected, or even oppressed because they are regarded as insignificant, with little or nothing to offer.

It is, however, interesting to note that the poor are to the Lord what seemingly ordinary clay is to a potter, or what an uncultivated piece of land is to a farmer.

The poor are God's potential raw materials, whom He can shape and transform into vessels for His own glorious purpose.

This explains why being generous to the poor is regarded by God as lending to the Lord Himself. When we meet the needs of the poor, we are ministering to the Lord. (See Matt 25: 31-46)

Do you have someone around you who is struggling with one form of inability or another?

Do not be insensitive to their needs. Their situation may be God's opportunity for you to demonstrate generosity to Him. When you do, He has promised to reward your kindness.

As another week unfolds, may God make each of us sensitive to the needs of the poor around us and give us hearts that are willing to respond with love, compassion, and generosity.

Have a blessed and beautiful Monday!

As we step into the second half of the year, may July usher in fresh grace, renewed strength, and greater opportunities....
01/07/2026

As we step into the second half of the year, may July usher in fresh grace, renewed strength, and greater opportunities. May every day bring you closer to God's purpose for your life.

HAPPY NEW MONTH!

The call to salvation in Christ is also a call to partake in His sufferings. It is not only an invitation to believe in ...
24/06/2026

The call to salvation in Christ is also a call to partake in His sufferings. It is not only an invitation to believe in Him but also to suffer with Him.

Suffering is an essential aspect of the life of Christ. It is inseparable from His mission because it lies at the very heart of His taking on human flesh in order to redeem mankind through His death and resurrection.

His suffering encompasses His entire earthly experience—His incarnation, His life among humanity, His rejection, His crucifixion, and ultimately His resurrection.

Therefore, it is impossible to truly be in Christ and not share in His sufferings, because His life and His sufferings are threads interwoven into the same fabric.

However, in today's Scripture, Paul presents a comparison between our present sufferings and the glory that awaits God's children.

He concludes that no amount of suffering endured for Christ in this present age can be compared with the eternal glory that will one day be revealed in us.

The earthly, even at its very best, is vastly inferior to the heavenly.

Therefore, believers should not set their hearts on earthly glory.

Rather, they should joyfully embrace their identification with Christ, including sharing in His sufferings, while fixing their eyes on the surpassing glory that is yet to be manifested.

May this be a Wednesday of victory as you walk with Christ and anticipate the revelation of His glorious purpose in your life.

Have a blessed Wednesday!

Amos the prophet was the foremost mouthpiece of God in the eighth century BC among the people of Northern Israel, althou...
23/06/2026

Amos the prophet was the foremost mouthpiece of God in the eighth century BC among the people of Northern Israel, although he was originally from the Southern Kingdom.

It was a period of extreme social injustice during which the rich exploited the poor and prospered at their expense.

It is, however, disheartening to note that these oppressors were also powerful influencers within the religious and legal systems.

Consequently, rather than being reprimanded according to the law, they were protected and shielded from accountability.

God is never pleased with a society in which injustice and unrighteousness thrive in the midst of intense religious activities and sacrificial offerings.

In the days of Prophet Amos, the songs of the people's worship and the smoke of their burnt offerings became offensive and nauseating to the Lord because their lives contradicted their religious expressions.

Today, the Lord is reminding His people that they have practiced enough empty religion.

It is now time to demonstrate His righteousness and justice in such abundance that they flow like waterfalls and an ever-rushing stream.

On this second working day of the week, rather than engaging in empty religious observances, may we become true demonstrators of God's justice and righteousness in our relationships, workplaces, communities, and nation.

Enjoy a Tuesday of True Walk with Jesus!

God's perfect and ultimate model of godliness for humanity is His Son, Jesus Christ.Everyone who responds to God's call ...
18/06/2026

God's perfect and ultimate model of godliness for humanity is His Son, Jesus Christ.

Everyone who responds to God's call to salvation is expected to embark on a lifelong journey of growth into the image and likeness of the Son of God.

However, today's Scripture points to the possibility of professing godliness while living in ways that are inconsistent with the life and character of Jesus Christ.

Christianity certainly involves what we profess and believe, but the authenticity of our faith must also be demonstrated through practical living that conforms to Christ.

One important area in which believers are called to reflect Christ is in their response to grief, suffering, and life's challenging situations.

Many believers need to learn from Christ how to respond when life becomes bitter, painful, and seemingly meaningless.

Our Lord's example of perfect submission to the Father's will, coupled with His unwavering trust in God as the righteous Judge of all, remains a model for every Christian to follow.

May everyone reading these words receive the grace to be continually transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Enjoy a Thursday of the True Life in Christ!

The ninth and final Beatitude suggests that believers will often be characterized by insults, persecution, and false acc...
15/06/2026

The ninth and final Beatitude suggests that believers will often be characterized by insults, persecution, and false accusations because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ.

This means that no matter how good they may be toward others, their commitment to Christ and His values will be challenged by faultfinders and opponents of the faith.

It is important for every follower of Christ to note that exhibiting His goodness will not always attract admiration, even from those who benefit from it.

Yet the Lord instructs His people to rejoice and be glad. Why? Because they are not only sharing in the experience of the prophets who went before them, but they also have a great reward awaiting them in heaven.

As another working week unfolds, may everyone reading these words be inspired to abound in the good works of Christ. May they be continually encouraged to manifest His goodness even when faced with hatred, hostility, insults, or false accusations. And may they find joy in the assurance that God sees, knows, and rewards faithfulness.

Enjoy a Monday filled with more of God's grace.

The sixth Beatitude. One of the qualities our Lord said should characterize His followers is purity of heart.The word "h...
10/06/2026

The sixth Beatitude. One of the qualities our Lord said should characterize His followers is purity of heart.

The word "heart" (kardia) as used by the Lord in this text does not refer to the physical organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Rather, it refers to the center of a person's life, both physical and spiritual. It is the seat of the soul and mind; the center of understanding, intelligence, will, and character; and the source from which affections, emotions, desires, appetites, and passions flow.

The heart, therefore, is the very core from which the entirety of life emanates. It is concerning this core that the Lord uses the word "pure" (katharos), which describes a state of being free from corrupt desires, sin, and guilt; free from falsehood, hypocrisy, and insincerity; blameless, innocent, and unstained.

The Lord declares blessed the believer whose innermost being is characterized by such purity. To such people He gives a remarkable promise: they shall see God.

The word translated "see" (optanomai) conveys the idea that God will cause Himself to be seen; He will reveal Himself and make His presence known to them.

Attaining purity of heart must be the earnest pursuit of every follower of Christ. It is a vital key to experiencing God's presence and fellowship continually.

On this third working day of the week, may everyone reading these words be stirred to sincerely seek purity of heart before God.

May you enjoy a Winning Wednesday, triumphing over every impurity of the heart!

With hearts overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for all that He did during the weekend, this is an invitation to everyo...
08/06/2026

With hearts overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for all that He did during the weekend, this is an invitation to everyone reading these words to join in expressing gratitude to Him.

Right before our eyes, we have witnessed God plant a work and nurture it from a seemingly insignificant beginning to a level that can be appreciated and celebrated after two decades. What a faithful God He is!

Sometimes we take things for granted and carelessly assume that good things happen merely because of our prayers, careful planning, and diligent efforts. As a result, we often fail to thank God as consistently and as wholeheartedly as we should.

As another working week unfolds, may God fill our hearts with the spirit of genuine gratitude. May we always and wholeheartedly give thanks to Him in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable.

Enjoy a Monday of Miraculous Gratitude!

Have a blessed week ahead.

One of the most popular sets of teachings by the Lord Jesus Christ is the Beatitudes, the attitudes and qualities that s...
02/06/2026

One of the most popular sets of teachings by the Lord Jesus Christ is the Beatitudes, the attitudes and qualities that should characterize His followers.

At the very top of the list is the state of being poor in spirit. This refers to a deep awareness of one's need for God; a disposition that is free from spiritual pride and arrogance, yet constantly longs for more of His presence, grace, and power.

Jesus declared:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

To the poor in spirit belongs the kingdom of heaven. The Apostle Paul describes the kingdom of God as "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

How can believers who possess this deep spiritual hunger be recognized?

They are known by their continual desire to do what is right, the peace they radiate, and the joy they express even in the midst of difficulties and trials.

In a world overwhelmed by material pursuits and earthly desires, it is increasingly challenging to maintain a sense of spiritual need.

Many settle for the false satisfaction that mere religiosity produces, which often leads to spiritual complacency and arrogance rather than genuine dependence on God.

May everyone reading these words on this second working day of the week be emptied of self and filled with a fresh awareness of their need for God.

May we cultivate a heart that continually thirsts for His righteousness and seeks His kingdom above all else.

Enjoy a Tuesday of true cravings for God!

Address

36 Olukunle Akinola Street
Lagos
01

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+2347044805693

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